2010/2011 Research Projects
The following research projects were commissioned late in 2010 or early in 2011 and have now commenced.
- Measuring Educational Engagement, Progress and Outcomes for Children with Special Educational Needs: A Review.
The purpose of this research study is to explore how best to measure and assess how children with special educational needs are doing in the education system, in order to ensure that the system is adequately serving their needs.
The study is being carried out by researchers at Birmingham University and St Patrick’s College of Education, Dublin. The Principal Investigator is Dr Graeme Douglas.
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- The Special Class Model in Ireland: How is it working for pupils with special educational needs in mainstream schools?
This research will examine and evaluate the operation of the special class* model for students with special educational needs in mainstream education and the extent to which this model is meeting the needs of students placed in these classes, particularly in the context of the commitment to an inclusive education enshrined in the EPSEN Act. This examination will be located in the context of a review of the international literature, evidence, policies and practices.
This research is being conducted by the Economic and Social Research Institute and will take place over two years. The Principal Investigator is Dr Joanne Banks.
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*It should be noted that special classes in Ireland operate in different ways; some may be very separate and distinct from mainstream provision, while others are more integrated with the mainstream provision; others operate on a full or part-time basis. Some special classes may also be called something other than a special class, such as a special unit or centre.
- Continuum of Education Provision for Children with Special Educational Needs: Review of International Policies and Practices
The overarching aim of this study is to review international policies and practices in the relation to the continuum of education provision for children with SEN to build a bank of information that can be referred to and considered in the development of the NCSE’s policy advice on special education matters.
This research is being conducted by researchers at the Open University, London. The Principal Investigator is Jonathan Rix.
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2009/2010 Research Projects
The following research projects were commissioned as part of the 2009/2010 research programme and are recently underway or are on going at present:
- Longitudinal Study
Inclusive Research in Irish Schools (Project IRIS). A longitudinal study initially over 3 years examining the provision of special education within Irish schools, the experiences of pupils/students with special education needs receiving this education and their associated outcomes. The Centre for Special Needs Education and Research, University of Northampton, in conjunction with the School of Education, TCD and ICEP Europe. Principal Investigators, Professor Richard Rose, Dr. Michael Shevlin, Dr. Eileen Winter and Paul O'Raw.
- Resource Allocation and Deployment
A Review of the NCSE Resource Allocation Process and Evaluation of the Deployment of Resources in Schools. School of Education, UCD and Mazars. Principal Investigators, William Kinsella, Dr. Joyce Senior, Dr. Lelia Murtagh and Michael Coleman. - Further and Higher Education: Access and Progression
A Study of the Access and Progression Experiences of Students with Special Educational Needs Moving from Compulsory Education to Further and Higher Education. The School of Education, Trinity College Dublin in conjunction with the Centre for Special Needs Education and Research, University of Northampton. Principal Investigator, Dr. Conor Mc Guckin and Dr. Michael Shevlin. - Post Primary Curriculum International Literature Review
A Review of the International Research Literature on Curriculum and Curriculum Access Issues for Students with Special Educational Needs in Post Primary Settings. Matrix Evidence Ltd. Principal Investigator, Dr. Alison O'Mara.
2008/2009 Research Projects
The following research projects were commissioned as part of the 2008/2009 research programme and are on going at present or are under review:
- Transitions from Primary to Post Primary School
A Study of the Transition Experiences of Pupils with Special Educational Needs Moving from Primary to Post-Primary School. Department of Psychology and Department of Education, NUI Maynooth. Principal Investigators, Dr. Ger Scanlon and Dr. Yvonne Barnes Holmes.